Cholesterol Crystals May Trigger Heart Problems

NOVEMBER 01, 2005

Two new experiments have followed up on earlier studies
that found that cholesterol buildup in the plaque of blood
vessels contributes to heart attacks and strokes. The earlier
studies, examining how plaques inside the blood vessels
rupture and block blood flow, showed only a static image,
according to findings reported in Clinical Cardiology (September
2005). In the current study, the researchers wanted to see
the dynamic process to assess the transformation of cholesterol
from a liquid to a solid. Specifically, they were interested
in whether the cholesterol crystals that form injure or disturb
the plaque.

The first experiment measured cholesterol crystallization in
large cylinders. The second looked at the effects of crystal
growth on blood-vessel-like membranes. Throughout the experiments,
the crystals grew dramatically in size and finally pierced
the membranes.

"So far, treatments [to prevent heart attacks and strokes] have
not been focused" on cholesterol crystallization, noted lead investigator
George S. Abela, MD. "Now, we have a target to attack
with the various approaches we have. In the past, we have treated
the various stages that lead to this final stage, rather than preventing
or treating this final stage of the condition."